Almanac

Menlo Briefs: Emergencies, toddlers on council agenda

The start of the school year must be near: The Menlo Park City Council hits the books on Tuesday night, with an agenda as diverse as a college curriculum.

The meeting kicks off with a study session at 6 p.m. about the city's state of emergency preparedness, with a focus on how to increase it. Staff recommended three options: continue having a police commander serve as emergency services coordinator; contracting out the responsibilities to the Menlo Park Fire Protection District; or hiring a full-time coordinator.

The regular meeting follows the study session, and is set to begin at 7 p.m. in council chambers at the Civic Center at 701 Laurel St.

During a public hearing, the council will consider an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of the Bright Angel Montessori Academy, a preschool proposed for 695 Bay Road. A neighbor is protesting the permit on grounds of the noise, illegal parking and traffic potentially generated by the 48 students, parents and six school employees.

Go to tinyurl.com/98utrw2 to review the agenda and associated staff reports. The regular meeting follows the study session, and is set to begin at 7 p.m. in council chambers at the Civic Center at 701 Laurel St.

Woman donates money to replace stolen bike

"Don't let the good in the world be overshadowed by these people," said a note from an anonymous woman to a 14-year-old boy who had his bike stolen at the Menlo Park skate park.

After reading about the theft in the newspaper, the Good Samaritan contacted police to arrange a $500 donation to replace the bike.

The teenager was attacked by two young men during a morning outing on Aug. 13. After one asked for a ride and was turned down, he punched the boy as the other suspect grabbed the bike. Both escaped a police search.

The first suspect, described as a white man about 17 to 18 years old, had short blond hair, freckles and light eyes. About 5 feet, 7 inches tall and 150 pounds, he wore jeans and a gray T-shirt, according to the police report. He rode the bike as the pair fled south on Alma Street.

The second suspect, a black man about 18 to 19 years old, wore jeans and a white T-shirt. He stood nearly 6 feet tall and weighed about 180 pounds with short, curly dark hair and medium complexion.

Police spokesperson Nicole Acker said there was no update on the investigation. Anyone with information about the robbery can call police at 330-6300.

Saturday: Free compost

If it's time to fertilize the garden again, check out the free compost giveaway in Menlo Park on Saturday, Sept. 1.

Bring a shovel, proof of residency, and containers to help yourself to the large pile of at the entrance of Bedwell Bayfront Park, near the intersection of Bayfront Expressway and Marsh Road. The event lasts from sunrise to sunset or until the compost runs out.

Firefighters deployed to wildfires

Two firefighters certified as paramedics were sent to help fight wildfires in Northern California, according to the Menlo Park Fire Protection District.

Matt Menard was sent to Tehama County on Aug. 20, and Mike Stahl was deployed on Aug. 21 to Trinity National Forest, the district said.

Chief Harold Schapelhouman said both men are certified as line medics, who work on the front lines supporting crews attempting to contain the fires. "The work is difficult and personal wear and tear issues and injuries need constant attention by the field medics so the crews can function at a high performance and efficiency level working many long hours and consecutive days and weeks until the fire is contained and brought under control," he said in a press release.

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